Best Dispersed Camping near Mena, AR

Dispersed camping opportunities dot the forested areas surrounding Mena, Arkansas, primarily within the Ouachita National Forest. Several free, primitive sites are established along forest roads and near creeks, with notable locations including Blue Knob Road, Turner Creek Road, and Buck Knob in Arkansas, plus Pigeon Creek, Dead Man Gap, and Talimena Scenic Drive in Oklahoma. These sites operate on a first-come basis with no reservation system or designated site numbers, allowing campers to select open clearings that show previous use.

Access varies significantly between sites, with many requiring careful navigation along unpaved forest roads. Several campers note high-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially for reaching more remote locations like Dead Man Gap where "the road in/out has some tough spots, 4WD would be preferred." Blue Knob Road is described as particularly tight, with one camper advising, "I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain." Most sites lack all amenities including drinking water, toilets, trash service, and hookups. Fire rings are typically the only established feature, and campers should verify current fire restrictions before their trip.

The dispersed sites in this region provide varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Many campsites are situated near water features, with Dead Man Gap offering "a small running creek lies at the bottom of a short downhill hike" and Pigeon Creek positioned "along side the Kiamichi River along side pigeon creek." Cell service is inconsistent throughout the area. Campers have reported issues with previous visitors leaving trash at some locations. The natural beauty compensates for primitive conditions, with one visitor noting they were "surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water." During wet seasons, road conditions can deteriorate quickly, making some sites temporarily inaccessible. Pack-in, pack-out principles should be followed as there are no waste disposal services available.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mena, Arkansas (20)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mena, AR

32 Reviews of 20 Mena Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Great, quiet location.

    My buddy and I read the other reviews and decided to give this site a go. Someone was camping at the main site just off the park road, and honestly, I’m glad they were there, otherwise we wouldn’t have found the great alternative spot. As the gentleman in the other review said, there ARE three alternative spots back North a little ways on the park road. As you pull off the little turn off just before (or after, depending on which way your going) the bridge of the creek, you’ll find the first spot. It’s nice with an established campfire ring, etc. further down (you definitely want a higher riding vehicle, no sedans down this road) about 40 yards maybe is the second site. This is a great little site as well, again with an established fire ring. Go another 40 ish yards and there is the end of the side ‘road’/stone path and you’ll find the site we stayed at.
    There is a great fire pit and a well established site. As was mentioned in the other review, there was some trash about, but we cleaned it up. If you go here, practice leave no trace. Don’t be a jerk. Even if you never meet another person who camps there, if everyone treats the site like garbage it will be no good for anyone in a short amount of time.
    We noticed that there wasn’t much wildlife about and guessed it was because the creek bed was bone dry and a bunch of smoke in the are might have made them leave (there were a few wildfires in SE Oklahoma when we visited). We’ll probably find another place next time for the sake of adventure, but I could see myself coming back someday.

  • Jessie M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2023

    Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed

    Could not find.

    Could not find. find. The grid cordinates lead to someones private cabin. Tucked in middles of residential cabin colmunity. It is national forest borders but private lots.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Irons Fork

    Nicest free spot I’ve seen!

    The place was beautiful and had plenty of lake access points too. I went in mid July so it was hot and humid but I was able to swim a bit to help that. Some nice mature trees were there but didn’t get in the way of our view of the lake. There was even a pit toilet! There seemed to be about 5 sites, each with a grill and fire ring. More spaces are available near the road as well. Bugs weren’t much of an issue but we did use bug spray. There was a lil bit of trash from previous campers, some of which made it into the campfire. I’m happy we visited, but not happy about the humidity- I am thankful we were able to sleep in the car though! There was only one other person there. It is black bear country, so just be smart about your waste and food storage. We had about 1-2 bars of AT&T coverage, but the road leading in has some better signal.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Somewhat private dispersed site off of unbusy forest road

    Coordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.

  • C
    Mar. 20, 2021

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Great place to treat right

    Great spot. As most have said the main site that this link takes you to is up hill some ways from a creek that runs quite a way through the area snaking around and getting to various fill levels depending on recent weather. It also has great spots to see while hiking around. I've been here twice and loved both times. This second time I discovered there are it seems at least 2-3 more, seemingly established, campsites here. The ones that are not given here are along the same main road but along a separate turn off (IT IS NOT MARKED PRIVATE though there is private property marked in the area) that looks more suited for 4 wheel drive or at least something sitting higher than my small car. The furthest of these is essentially on the other side of the creek down from the main site. I can't speak to how nice they are to stay at but I imagine they are nice enough given how nice the main one is. I did walk through 2 and they didn't look bad as I walked through (the 3rd was occupied so I didn't get a look there just saw a person caming). All and all this place is great and I highly recommend. Just please don't take rocks and set up your own fire ring. The main has 2 already and the others all seem to have one. PLEASE PRACTICE LNT!!!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR

    Large wooded dispersed campsite near creek

    Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.

  • West River J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Potato Hill Vista - Dispersed Camping

    Right off the highway and right off the Ouchita Trail

    If you're near the end (heading west) or got a late start heading east, detour north towards Potato Hill Vista for a flat area with a stone fire ring near Highway 88/1. You can throw down your tent here for the night. The side trail even leads to a parking lot off the highway if you're driving and want a place to camp or want someone to pick you up a few miles closer than Talimena State park.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2020

    Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Perfect for all

    First time in the Ouachita national forest and we found a most excellent spot next to Lillard Creek off of 6010 Deadmans trail Rd. Would recommend a 4wd vehicle. There’s a short rock trail to go up to reach the campsite, also too narrow for my Tundra. Enough space for a family or if your going on a solo camp. Done hanging out at camp? There’s an awesome trail a little north of camp called Boardstand trail, take it east and you you can follow it to 8554 Red Bank, follow it south to Ouachita Trail, then follow it west until you reach Talimena Scenic drive, then you can walk along side the road to the Scenic view of where you were just hiking and bask in its glory! Next you’ll run up on 6010 deadman’s gap trail road again. Take it back down to your camp! Your back! It’s a good 6 mile hike that will get your heart going. Steep hills, beautiful waterways, gorgeous mountains! Nothing better! The creek water runs all the time so no need for your forest noise making machine. All the sounds you’ll need are by the fire and the Lillard Creek. It was a blast! Get out there and breath the fresh air! Peace and Love, Seth Armes

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Really in the woods

    Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock.camp site was clean.


Guide to Mena

Dispersed camping near Mena, Arkansas offers primitive sites primarily within Ouachita National Forest, where the heavily wooded terrain reaches elevations between 600-2,600 feet. The region features abundant pine and hardwood forests with numerous small creeks that can run dry during summer months but flow more reliably in spring. Weather patterns include humid summers with temperatures reaching 90°F and mild winters, though mountain roads can become challenging during rainstorms.

What to do

Hiking and trail access: At Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, campers can access multiple connecting trails including the Ouachita Trail system. "The pond was calm, with some bullfrogs and snakes which were cool to experience," notes one visitor about the wildlife viewing opportunities directly from camp.

Creek exploration: The Buck Knob area provides access to seasonal creeks for wading and water collection. Nearby at Turner Creek Road, campers report a "Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring. Very peaceful," making it ideal for those seeking solitude while exploring the watershed.

Scenic drives: Take advantage of the proximity to the Talimena Scenic Byway when staying at area campsites. One camper cautions, "This is an awesome place the drive is well worth it too as long as you don't catch fog like we did you couldn't see 2ft in front of your car it was crazy." The route offers numerous pull-offs with panoramic views.

What campers like

Seclusion and privacy: Turner Creek Road provides excellent isolation according to reviews. The site offers "Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring. Very peaceful," making it perfect for campers wanting distance from neighbors.

Creek access: Multiple sites feature water access, though seasonal flow varies. A visitor to Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite noted, "Stayed here in early November the creek was dry but beautiful. We pulled of the highway and wend down deadman's trail about halfway and pulled into a very secluded camping spot."

Multiple site options: Lesser-known spots provide alternatives when primary sites are occupied. One camper reports, "Someone was camping at the main site just off the park road, and honestly, I'm glad they were there, otherwise we wouldn't have found the great alternative spot." Many areas have multiple clearings within walking distance.

What you should know

Road conditions vary: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most sites. At County Road D1590, campers note: "Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock. Camp site was clean." However, conditions worsen after rain.

Pack in all supplies: No sites in the area provide drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. Plan to bring everything needed and pack out all waste.

Fire regulations: While most sites have established fire rings, regional burn bans frequently occur during dry seasons. Always check current fire restrictions with the Ouachita National Forest office before your trip.

Site availability: The Pigeon Creek Dispersed area has experienced access issues, with one visitor reporting: "We drove slowly back and forth along the road exactly where the coordinates lead us to but there is no vehicle access to the forest there. It's completely overgrown." Always have backup site options planned.

Tips for camping with families

Safety planning: Mobile reception is extremely limited throughout the dispersed camping areas. Bring detailed maps and inform others of your exact camping location before arrival.

Water features: Several sites offer creek access that appeals to children but requires supervision. Sites along County Road D1590 are "Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night," according to one review, so consider site selection carefully with younger campers.

Site cleanliness: Unfortunately, some visitors report trash issues. At Pigeon Creek, a camper noted: "The river and creek merging was so beautiful! It was a beautiful drive there. But whoever was there before me trashed it out. It's sad." Bring extra bags to pack out any trash found at your site.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest accommodates modest-sized RVs but requires careful navigation. One RVer advises, "I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site. There is a clearing near the Ouachita Trail with a fire pit and plenty of space to park."

Backing skills required: Many forest roads are narrow with limited turnaround space. For most sites, plan to back in rather than pull through. For longer rigs, consider camping at established campgrounds with designated sites instead of dispersed areas.

Seasonal access: Spring rains can make forest roads temporarily impassable even for high-clearance RVs. Summer and fall typically offer the most reliable road conditions for accessing dispersed sites with larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Mena, Arkansas?

The Ouachita National Forest surrounding Mena offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities. Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite is a popular spot located off forest road 6010 with sites near Lillard Creek that accommodate tents and hammocks. For lake views, Irons Fork provides beautiful dispersed sites with lake access points and even a pit toilet. Some sites have mature trees that don't obstruct lake views. These locations typically require a short drive on forest roads, and while 4WD is recommended for some areas, many sites are accessible with standard vehicles.

Is free tent camping available in the Mena, Arkansas area?

Yes, free tent camping is widely available in the Mena area, primarily in the Ouachita National Forest. Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed offers free tent sites accessible via maintained gravel/dirt forest roads that don't require 4x4 vehicles. County Road D1590 Dispersed is another free option with decent rock roads. These dispersed sites typically feature primitive conditions with no amenities beyond occasional fire rings, so come prepared with all necessary supplies including water. Most sites accommodate tents well, with flat areas for setup and trees suitable for hammock camping.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Mena?

Dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest near Mena follows standard Forest Service regulations: camp at least 150 feet from water sources, roads, and trails; practice Leave No Trace principles; and limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. At Jack Creek Dispersed, located 2.5 miles past the entrance of Jack Creek Recreation Area, camping is allowed in established sites only. Potato Hill Vista and similar areas require campers to use existing fire rings and pack out all trash. Always check for seasonal fire restrictions before your trip, especially during dry summer months.